Autism.Place

I recommend writing down everything you can think of that you might want to talk about. Sensory issues you struggle with, stims that help you, special interests you enjoy, social difficulties - anything you can think of when you’re not sitting in front of a stranger. Then, when you’re at the appointment, if your mind goes blank (like mine often does), you’ll have the info ready to go.

I also agree with the person who said to try to not have your dad in the room the whole time at all the appointments so they have a chance to see you in other contexts.

Good luck! It’s going to be fine!

The test seem to vary based on location. Many of us can probably tell you what our test where. I'll do the same. But my advice might be to assume nothing.

Mine was done remotely about a year ago. so that may have affected it. They asked I bring some items, dice, coins, paperclips, amd some other similar common items. I went in assuming it was to see how I might fidget with stuff. But they had me tell a story using the items as characters. This was very difficult for me as I was super tired at the time and had 0 creativity. I then assumed they'd have excepted me to be able to do this easily but it seems my creativity wasnt what they where testing.

I was unusually tired since I had to travel to my mom's place in a differnt city so she could be part of the test. Also my moms new kittens managed to chew through the power cable of the laptop I brought with me meaning I needed to (during a 15 min break) install a Webcam and zoom on my moms old pc, all while she was panicking so during the second half of the test I was beat red, sweaty, tired, and suffing a massive migrine. So if yours is remote, have a plan B and all your computer stuff up to date. Also keep kittens away from your power cords.

I know it's easier said than done, because I couldn't do it, but I also didn't have a reminder (or even the words to describe it at the point), so maybe this will be helpful to you: try your best not to mask. If you can't help it, try your best to point out to them that that is what is going on.

Being in a stressful situation, and around new people, can make it especially hard to avoid, it's a defence mechanism, as is fawning - trying to impress and come off as best as we can, which also means leaving out things that upset or embarrass us. But it's important for them to see under these defences, or at least hear what is under them from you, so maybe think ahead of time of examples of struggles you have that you might find it hard to talk about, so that you are at least a little prepared.

Also, while your father might have important insight and information to contribute, if you are more comfortable opening up without him there, it's perfectly acceptable to ask for him to wait outside for some of the meeting.

Good luck!